Senior Care

Caring for your aging companion:

So when is your pet considered a senior? Generally, smaller breeds of dogs live longer than larger breeds, and cats live longer than dogs. Beyond that, the life span will vary with each individual, and your veterinarian will be able to help you determine what stage of life your companion is in. Senior pets are precious members of our family. It is estimated there are more than 18 million senior dogs, and more than 22 million senior cats out there! As veterinary advances continue to provide our companions with longer and longer lives, being familiar with our pets changing needs as he or she ages is essential.
The following basic guidelines can help you provide your pet with the golden years he or she deserves:

1. Taking your pet to the veterinarian for a checkup at least every six months is an important aspect in effectively monitoring changes in his or her health. Part of frequent vet checkups is building a strong partnership with your veterinarian.
2. During your senior pet's regular checkups, your veterinarian may suggest running basic blood and urine tests to help determine the presence of existing diseases. Regular blood and urine testing can help identify diseases in their earliest and most treatable stages.
3. Look, listen and feel for bumps, signs of pain, or behavioral changes. Any physical or behavioral changes in your senior pet could be significant. Disorientation, changes in sleep or loss of housetraining could be indications of a health problem. Weight fluctuation, increase in thirst, or any change in your pets normal behavior could also be a sign of a health problem.
4. As pets get older, their nutritional needs change. Immune and digestive systems can become more delicate. Pets can lose muscle mass, and gaining weight is common due to reduced activity levels. Switching to a senior pet food may help promote a long, healthy life and provide the specific levels of nutrients they need.
5. The health of your animals' gums and teeth can be indications of health - dental or otherwise. Periodontal disease can be painful and cause other serious complications, including respiratory infections, liver disorders, kidney infection, inflammation of the heart and brain damage.
6. Maintaining a familiar routine with your animal is an easy way to minimize stress in his or her life. Exercise is an important part of this routine and should not be forgotten as your pet grows older. Providing moderate exercise will help with weight control and keep muscles toned.
7. Last but not least is to continue giving your pet the love and attention you have always provided. Love and affection, combined with regular veterinary checkups, can help keep your companion content in the later years of life.
   

Pain:

Just as you and I may be more prone to aches and pains as we age, so are our pets. Our pet’s pain may not be as obvious as ours. Animals will often instinctually hide their pain, making it difficult for their humans to know when help is needed.

Signs your pet may be experiencing pain:

•Being unusually quiet, listless, restless, or unresponsive
•Whining, whimpering, howling, or constantly meowing
•Biting
•Constantly licking or chewing at a particular part of the body
•Acting funny and out of character, either aggressively or submissively
•Flattening ears against the head
•Having trouble sleeping or eating
•Seeking a lot more affection than usual or avoiding contact
•Unable to get comfortable (constantly changes positions to find the most comfortable position)
•Urinary or fecal accidents

If you suspect your pet might be hurting, consult your veterinarian for help. Your veterinarian will help you figure out the problem and discuss options for pain management.

Common Senior Ailments:

Arthritis- A common ailment facing most senior pets is arthritis. If your cat used to leap onto the sofa and now she pauses first, or if your dog doesn't run to fetch a ball anymore, you may be seeing indications of pain which your veterinarian can help control.
Remember that excess weight increases the pain in your pet's joints, so help him keep his weight down by feeding him a diet appropriate to his age and dietary needs. Supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin may also be useful, ask us today about these products.

Urinary Tract- A common ailment in senior cats is related to their urinary tract. Whether it's a blockage in the ureter (he or she may show signs of straining to go) or kidney disease (detectable by blood tests), these are problems that can be fatal for your cat without prompt treatment. Inability to urinate and kidney disease can also occur in dogs.

Congestive Heart Failure- Congestive heart failure can occur at any age, but is more common and easier to spot in senior pets. Lethargy, trouble breathing, and coughing after exercise should always be brought to our veterinarians attention.

Dental Disease- Periodontal or dental disease is another common ailment in senior companions. A regular routine of preventive dental care will greatly reduce your pets possible development of problems in his or her older years. Remember, poor dental health can lead to multiple problems for your pet! Access to dental chew toys and serving crunchy kibble may be helpful as well.